December 8, 2015

A question we get a lot here at Dr. barber’s talk is “What is the correct way to shave?” we answer everything in here. Getting the perfect shave doesn’t need to be as difficult as you might think.

Though more and more men are now choosing for a well-groomed look be it a close or a stubble look, according to a recent study, more than 50% are doing it all wrong. The core of any shaving is not only the perfect razor but also the way you do it. So, why not step out sporting your best shave ever, with some easy to follow tips.

Let your skin wake up!

With all the accumulation of fluids, skin is a little tender and puffy when you rise to sunshine. Don’t ever subject it to a razor! Would do more harm than good. Always shave after the skin has settled.

2. Let’s shower before a shave

Just a few minutes into warm water and steam causes expansion in the hair, which makes hair quite weak and therefore easier to cut. They’ll be softer and hence, easier to shave! Also, proper wetting of hair prior to subjecting to the razor reduces the slicing force by up to 70%. If a shower is not possible, rinse your face and then apply a warm moistened warm towel to your face for at least a couple of minutes. This is that barbers hot shave soothing technique use. Never shave on cold skin or apply shaving products to a dry face – this is one of the leading causes of razor burn, itching and shaving rash.

3. The softer, the better

Well, advice straight from grooming experts – good preparation! The slightest rush can lead to patchy results. So make sure to prepare your stubble before the razor gets to touch it. Clean up with a gentle face wash and warm water, cleansing impurities. Next, lather up shaving foam. The primary function of the shaving foam is to lubricate your face so that the razor will glide smoothly and effortlessly across the surface, this way you will easily avoid cuts, nicks as well as irritation. It also serves to lock the moisture into the whiskers, keeping them soft and upright. You can try Dr. Barber’s shaving foam, which is enriched with coconut oil for a smoother shave even on sensitive skin.

If you’re applying the shaving foam using the brush, rub it in a circular motion ending in an upward stroke to help lift the beard up and away from the face.

4. Attack your stubble

Now that your growth is washed, wet, softened and also cushioned, finally pick up the razor. Ideally start shaving in the direction of the beard growth. Start with the sides, then the mustache area and last is the chin. The chin hair are the toughest; so shaving at the end allows them the most time to soften under the shave cream. Shaving against the direction of hair growth in the first place gives a closer shave, but has two drawbacks: A. It can cause cuts and nicks, and B. There’s a high risk of cutting off a hair below skin level, causing an ingrown hair (razor bumps) – in the condition the whisker grows into the surrounding tissue instead of out of the pore, resulting in inflammation and also possible infection. Hence to avoid these shaving problems, shave “with the grain” in the direction your hair grows. Then you can shave against but again lather up before you do it, do not press too hard or it will cause razor bumps (ingrown hair) and razor burn. Short, light and gentle strokes do all the magic you need!

Each person’s facial hair has its own growth pattern. If you are unsure of the direction of your beard, just let it grow for a day or two after you shave and you’ll be able to observe it.

5. Rinse and protect to survival!

Check for any left – over bits with your fingers and finally rinse using cold water. And applying aftershave is good. Simply make sure it is alcohol free and avoid irritability.